According to Ghana News Agency:ccording to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Darko highlighted the amendments to the PFM and Procurement Acts, aiming to expedite the implementation of an enhanced fiscal framework, which includes an independent Fiscal Advisor Council. These remarks were made at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Annual Conference of the Controller and Accountant General Department (CAGD) at Ho Technical University.
The two-day conference, themed ‘Enhancing Public Financial Management Excellence,’ gathers accountants and related professionals nationwide. Mr. Darko stated that within four months, the government has strengthened controls on new spending commitments, conducted a comprehensive audit of arrears, and operationalized a fiscal compliance framework.
The Deputy Minister underscored the government’s commitment to expanding the Ghana Electronic Procurement System, conducting payroll audits, reviewing selected ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), and enhancing risk management. He stressed tha
t the CAGD plays a crucial role in ensuring transparent and accountable use of public funds.
Mr. Darko warned against the misuse of public funds, emphasizing that PFM infractions would be met with the full force of the law. He expressed hope that the conference would foster innovation, institutional renewal, and strategic partnerships for effective economic and fiscal governance.
Mr. Kwasi Agyei, the Controller and Accountant General, reported the suspension of over 4,000 government employee salaries due to inconsistencies in National Identification Authority numbers and questionable data credentials. He reminded payroll validators of the consequences for processing payments for unqualified individuals as outlined in PFM regulations.
Mr. Agyei outlined measures for enhanced payroll data security, including strong data encryption, access controls, multi-factor authentication, regular biometric identification, audits, and collaboration with the Internal Audit Agency. He urged staff to uphold integrity, trans
parency, accountability, and professionalism.
Mr. Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, Acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), underscored the interconnectedness of the CAGD and GRA, likening them to unidentical twins. He called for the institutions to meet governmental and public expectations through integrity, innovation, and public satisfaction.
Volta Regional Minister Mr. James Gunu noted that excellence in PFM leads to improved infrastructure, education, healthcare, and sustainable development. Togbe Afede XIV, represented by Togbe Adu Bobi IV, emphasized the ethical management of public resources as both a professional obligation and patriotic duty, urging attendees to foster fiscal responsibility, innovation, and transparency in governance.
